One man loses his son to a cocaine overdose. Grieving, Stan Marsden, a Tsimpsean wood carver decides to create a totem pole in his son's memory and invites the town of Craig, Alaska to help. Before he is done, the pole becomes a communal project, bringing people of diverse backgrounds and ages together.

"A powerful film about both the impact of substance abuse and addictions on families and communities and the potential for recovery and healing."

Robert Lindsey, President, National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence

Synopsis:

Carved from the Heart intertwines the process of carving and erecting the Healing Heart totem pole with the participants' stories of personal loss, grief, substance abuse, suicide and violence. This powerful film explores questions of death and dying, family relationships and parenting, domestic violence, and the impact of the war in Vietnam on veterans and their families.

The film also acknowledges the intergenerational grief growing out of the rapid changes in lifestyle, and the interruptions to the passing on of tradition and knowledge within Alaska Native and American Indian communities like Craig. But, most importantly, Carved from the Heart demonstrates the enormous power of mutual support, culture, art, and ceremony in enabling a community to face tragedy, provide support to its members, and find a path to healing.

Recommended by educators, counselors and providers as a tool for courses and programs in:

Education /Teacher Training

Addiction and Rehabilitation Studies

Art Therapy

Sociology/ Anthropology

Native American Studies

Counseling and Mental Health Programs

Suicide and Violence Prevention

Alcohol/Drug Prevention and Treatment

Veterans Programs/Women's Shelters

Restorative Justice, Diversity/Equity Centers

Human and Student Services

Hospices and Grief Support

Reviews

"Serves the dual purpose of artistic expression and communal healing. Marsden is an inspiring example."

San Francisco Bay Guardian

"Moving and therapeutic. Carved From The Heart speaks of ritual, connection, carthasis, confession, meaning-making, and many other features of healthy coping."

Words from the Heart is intended to facilitate discussion of the life altering issues raised by Carved from the Heart, including suicide, grief and loss, family violence and addictions. Available on the DVD with Carved from the Heart, this 15 minute film includes participants from Alaska to the islands of the South Pacific, talking about how the film help to encourage emotional healing, unification and action within diverse communities.